Members and supporters of the KootenayForUkraine group gathered at Castlegar City Hall on Aug. 22 to mark the Day of Independence of Ukraine (Aug. 24).
Since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine War, KootenayforUkraine has supported projects organized by the Maple Hope Foundation (MHF).
MHF is a Ukrainian-Canadian non-profit organization based in B.C. It's projects have focused on providing medical supplies, assisting displaced Ukrainians with basic needs, and providing humanitarian aid.
With the support of the local community, KootenayforUkraine volunteers have raised over $17,000 during the last two and a half years through regular donations and fundraising efforts.
MHF co-founders Svitlana Kominko and Julia Yushchenko participated in the Castlegar gathering.
They thanked local activists for their support, shared their impressions from a recent trip to Ukraine, and talked about the foundation's current projects.
Kominko reported that the majority of Ukrainians are suffering from grief due to ongoing losses.
She presented KootenayforUkraine a certificate for their efforts and said the "... small group of people with big hearts and love for Ukraine held many charity events, rallies in support of Ukraine ..."
Kominko and Yushchenko also expressed their gratitude for the continued support of the City of Castlegar and Castlegar City Council.
